Stanford's offense

Published 4:00 am, Wednesday, September 25, 1996

STANFORD - One look at this week's Pac-10 statistics suggests that Stanford offensive coordinator Dana Bible isn't sleeping well and may be considering personnel changes. But that's not the case.

The Cards rank last in rushing (83.3 yards per game), seventh in passing (203), last in total offense (286.3) and last in scoring (11.7 points per game). They have scored four touchdowns in three games and converted only 24.3 percent of the time on third down (a distant last in the conference), and are last in first downs (15.7)

So why is Bible smiling? He has no choice.

"You have to play the hand you're dealt with," he said Tuesday.

Bible and coach Tyrone Willingham knew there would be growing pains this year, especially on the offensive line, which lost three starters to graduation. But with a stable of experienced receivers and running backs, plus the addition of transfer fullback Jon Ritchie, both thought there would be steady improvement.

That hasn't been the case.

The first bad omen came in fall camp, when starting right tackle Geoff Wilson and fullback Greg Comella went down with knee injuries the same day. Wilson, who started eight games last year, was lost for the season, forcing Willingham to use redshirt freshman Jeff Cronshagen. Comella, who scored a team-high nine touchdowns in 1995 and excelled in short-yardage situations, hopes to return against Washington on Oct. 5.

The loss of both has had an impact on the entire offense. Cronshagen has struggled against quality opposition, allowing two sacks Saturday against Wisconsin. The line has had trouble protecting redshirt freshman quarterback Chad Hutchinson, allowing 10 sacks, and there has been no semblance of a running game.

Stanford has averaged 2.5 yards per rush. Running backs Anthony Bookman (shoulder) and Mike Mitchell (thigh bruise) haven't been 100 percent, but have also been hurt by the loss of Comella and Ritchie (hamstrings), both powerful blockers.

"We haven't had any running game to date," Willingham said. "I believe a huge portion of that starts up front."

Add a steady diet of dropped passes - there were six last week - and Hutchinson's inexperience, and it's not hard to understand why the Cards aren't scoring. The question is, can they turn it around in time to salvage the season?

"I'm very optimistic," said Willingham, whose 1-2 team has a bye this week. "I think it's just a matter of time. I've said all along I thought that (offensive line) would be our Achilles' heel."

With little depth at the position, Willingham must stick with his starters and hope they respond.

"We can't go on the waiver wire," Bible said. "There's development time and we're in the midst of that right now. The bottom line is we must improve our execution."

Stanford could also use more help from Hutchinson, although it might be asking too much. After all, he played only one year of quarterback in high school and redshirted last year. Physically, he has unlimited potential and has demonstrated the ability to make big plays. But he's raw, often holds the ball too long, isn't getting much help and is thinking too much.

For example, Hutchinson hasn't scrambled once this season, enabling defenses to be more aggressive. Until he poses a threat, they'll continue to tee off.

"It's still a position of experience," said Bible.

"You can only learn that doing it. We're going to work through this and succeed."

Every quarterback should have an internal clock. Once the ball is snapped, he has about three seconds to read coverages, go through primary and secondary receivers and make a decision, with defenders bearing down. It's a daunting task for youngsters, and nearly impossible to simulate in practice.

"There's nothing like it," Bible said. "You can't manufacture it."

That's why Willingham and Bible must be patient. "I think Chad is continuing to progress," said Willingham. "Am I happy? No."

Neither are Bookman and Mitchell. Both expected big years but have yet to get untracked. Mitchell has 29 carries for 105 yards and Bookman 27 for 85. On some teams, those figures represent one game.

"If they have the discipline to stay the course, our run game will improve," Willingham said. "I won't let them get frustrated."

Likewise for the entire offense.

NOTES: Stanford ranks first in the Pac-10 in scoring defense (11.0). . . . Willingham said DT Pete Swanson dislocated his left shoulder against Wisconsin and is uncertain when he'll return. Said SS Eliel Swinton,

"Pete's a warrior. I think he'll be back by Washington. He's not done, I'll tell you that. He'll go until his arm falls off." . . . Ritchie has two tender hamstrings but hopes to play against the Huskies. . . . The Cardinal will practice Wednesday through Friday and have the weekend off.